Author Ish Major's Visit To Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMLISHED!

(Saturday, February 27, 2010) Shadow Play Entertianment and Conversations Book Club thank South Carolina resident Ish Major, M. D. for coming to Mississippi to discuss his book LITTLE WHITE WHYS. He spent the day in Pearl, Mississippi in a series of events and conversations that brought out individuals of all backgrounds and interests. (see below)
To read the full report, see pictures of the visit and find out more about the author, click this link: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/author-ish-major-in-mississippi-mission.html

TAKE TEN: Our Interview with Author Deborah Gary

TAKEN TEN: Author Deborah Gary

She was eighteen and pregnant, but for Deborah Gary, that did not mean that her dreams had to be shelved or dismissed. Born in a small coaling mining town on the other side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she decided it was important to stay true to her goal of being a published author---and she has done just that. Now residing in Columbus, Ohio, Gary is the author of two books (including TEENAGE MOTHER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL: Rising Above The Odds, the story of her life) and is using her experience as a teenage mother as a way to show other young women they don't have to give up on life because they have a child.

Deborah Gary talks to Mississippi native Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club and Conversations LIVE! Radio about this and more. (Listen to her interview with Cyrus with Conversations LIVE! Radio here: http://tobtr.com/s/925432 .) Here is their conversation.

Deborah, thank you for your time. I want to talk to you about your career as a writer, but first tell me this: Does it surprise you that out of all of the things you have been through that you are now a published author?
No, I am not surprised to find myself to be a published author and I say that with humbleness. I have always had more than one iron in the fire in life. I started out writing for the local black owned newspaper regarding local people and issues. Then my career snow balled. I found myself interviewing celebrities, which I continued to do for over twenty years. Then I was an editor for another newspaper that emerged in the area that was owned by Boxing Promoter Don King. I finally became an editorial columnist for the major newspaper in Warren, I was the first and only Black person to do so. I knew I would write a book someday, but, I had no idea that it would be a motivational book for teenage mothers. I thought I would write a romance novel, which still may happen.

When did you realize that writing was something you were interested in?
My interest in writing actually came from a 5th grade homework assignment. The class was given an assignment of writing a poem within 2 weeks. I struggled to write the poem until the night before the assignment was due. I was the teacher's pet and did not want to disappointment him, but, I had no poem. I told my mother of my dilemma and she, being from the generation of black people that did not go far in school, gave me a signal with her eyes that she understood that black people can't do things like that. I went to bed that night, sleepless and staring out of the window, thinking of what explanation I would give my teacher for my failure. The end result, I wrote a poem about the stars I had been staring at and it was chosen as one of the best written. Much to the surprise to both my mother and myself. I have been writing ever since I was ten years old.

Your book TEENAGE MOTHER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL (Rising Above The Odds) is something very personal to you. Tell us about your experience as a teenage mother?
Teenage Mother's Guide To Survival, Rising Above The Odds is very important to me. It is my story of growing up raising two children alone. To quote Maya Angelo "I wouldn't take nothing for my journey". I chose not to enforce child support because as my children grew, I realized quickly as a young woman that I did not want their father to be a contributor to their upbringing. I would rather struggle than to have his input into their mindset. In essence, I did not want them to suffer because of bad decisions I made at a time I had more hormones and curiosity than brain cells. I was fortunate to have a job that enabled me to take care of my children without them feeling the effects of a single parent household. Those high paying jobs do not exist anymore. There were times I did not know how we were going to make it sometimes because of life's unexpected happenings. I remember selling my ten speed bike that I loved, to pay the electric bill. I worked a lot of overtime and we survived. Dating was difficult, there were young men that would not want to be involved because I had children, then there were those who pretended to care about my children as an attempt to get next to me. I learned a lot about life much quicker by having two children than my peers that were childless at a young age. I think the most difficult part of my journey as a teenage and single mother was the judgmental comments and accusations society imposes on teenage mothers. My kids were my family and my love for them made being their mother a labor of love regardless of my age or marital status...

 

Read the entire interview here: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2010/02/taken-ten-author-deborah-gary.html

(Sun. Feb. 21) Cyrus Webb Presents "Black History and Me"

(Sun. Feb. 21, 2010) Cyrus Webb Presents "Black History & Me"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Sun. Feb. 21, 2010) With history being made literally everyday, what does having a month devoted to Black History mean in 2010? Host Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE! Radio will talk with authors Justina Wheelock (WHERE LOYALTIES LIE), Dr. Neal Hall (NIGGER FOR LIFE), W. James Richardson (THE ECLIPSE BLUES) and Anthony Littlefield (BITTERSWEET JOURNEY) about their views of the holiday, and how they feel about the history they are creating.

Join the conversation live at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or listen through the switchboard at 347.426.3645.

Missed other exciting conversations? Visit www.conversationsliveradio.com to download them for free.

MS Native Weaves Supernatural Tale That Questions Who Is BLESSED

Mississippi Native Weaves Supernaturual Tale That Questions Who Is BLESSED

For years Mississippi native Cyrus Webb (known as C. A. Webb) has been a supporter of the power of words. Now in 2010 he prepares to deliver his own through the serialized novel BLESSED.

Released as four e-books and novellas beginning in February 2010, BLESSED will take readers into the intricate worlds of religion and politics, asking them do they always know where success and good fortune come from.

 

You will meet Pastor Ezekiel James, who has enjoyed a historic legacy that is amplified by the remarkable success of his family. For almost 40 years he has been one of the most recognizable faces and names of faith around the world, and that favor seemed to be passed on to his seed, fraternal twins Rebecca and his namesake Ezekiel.

Born with the world seemingly at their feet, Ezekiel continued in the example of his father while Rebecca chose politics, a course that would introduce her to Jeremiah Reynolds. He wants to see a change come to the country. With the support of the James family, Jeremiah would gain influence that leads him to the offices of Mayor, Governor and even the White House, becoming the first man of color to become President.

As Reynolds enters his second year in the Oval Office, two wars are waging around the world; however, the United States is more worried about a mysterious flu that is targeting the elderly and youth with deadly consequences. When it threatens the youngest of the James family and even the First Family, a secret is revealed that threatens to destroy not just the trust of a family and The White House but the safety, security and souls of the entire world...

IN THE BEGINNING, the first book of the series, is now available as a free e-book and will be in print form as a novella for only $5.99 in March 2010. Details about BLESSED as well as the first chapter of IN THE BEGINNING can be found at www.arewereallyblessed.com. For additional information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

REVIEW: "Signifying Nothing" by Author Clifford Thompson

REVIEW: "Signifying Nothing" by Author Clifford Thompson

As we go through the hustle of day-to-day life, we sometimes become oblivious to how much of our lives is not really being lived at all. We take a great deal for granted, and for some that is not really understood until we come in contact with someone who we see as less fortunate than ourselves.

It can be a person who is missing a limb, unable to speak, hear or see---and sometimes it can be someone whose mind appears to have betrayed them. We look at such individuals as broken, somehow less than us because of what we see, however, sometimes it is such individuals who may look at us as the ones to be pitied...

 

(Cont.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the entire review written by Cyrus Webb here: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/02/review-signifying-nothing-by-author.html

(Feb. 14-18, 2010) This Week on Conversations LIVE! Radio

(Feb. 14-18, 2010) Join Cyrus Webb and Conversations LIVE! Radio on 92.3 FM and Blogtalkradio for another great week of discussions designed to educate, inspire and motivate you throughout each day.

Dafna Michaelson and Rich Greif on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Sun. Feb. 14, 2010 @ 7p.m. EST (6p.m. CST/4p.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes Dafna Michaelson of the Journey Institute and Rich Greif of Everybody Wins to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss their current projects and what you can do to help them in their missions. At 45 min. past the hour, Herschel Dixon of "Herschel D's Weekly Sports Wrap-Up" will bring you what's going on in sports.
	Robert Stack of Community Options along with Jacki-O and Tray Chaney on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes Robert Stack of Community Options to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss the organization's purpose and how others can assist throughout the year. Joining Stack will be two of this year's ambassadors, recording artists Jacki-O and Tray Chaney, to talk about why they wanted to get involved with Community Options.
	[888553] Author Icen on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Mon. Feb. 14, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes author Icen to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her life as a writer and the new book EMPTY PLEASURES. At 30 min. past the hour, Webb will share an excerpt from his serialized novel BLESSED. At 45 min. past the hour, Webb will introduce Chef Bruce Tretter and this week's "Quick and Easy Cooking Tip".
	David Siteman Garland and Author Mystery on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Tues. Feb. 16, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) Cyrus Webb kicks off the show with David Siteman Garland who will talk with us about his success and THE RISE TO THE TOP. At 30 min. past the hour, Author and Reality TV Star Mystery talks with listeners about his new book THE PICK-UP ARTIST.
	Bro. Jesse Muhammad and Cliff Thompson on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Tues. Feb. 16, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes back Bro. Jesse Muhammad to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about how he is using his skills to empower and educate others. At 30 min. past the hour, author Cliff Thompson will talk about his book SIGNIFYING NOTHING.
	Author Brian Alexander on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Wed. Feb. 17, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes author Brian Alexander to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss sexuality in America and his book AMERICA UNZIPPED.
	Cyrus Webb talks Health and Weight Loss with Herschel Dixon on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Wed. Feb. 17, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) What caused a rising star in sports to be sidelined by concerns about his health? Herschel Dixon, host of "Herschel D's Weekly Sports Wrap-Up", talks to Cyrus Webb on Conversations LIVE! Radio about how getting real about his health caused him to make changes in his life.
	Author Keith Walker and Fashion Designer Rami Kashou on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Thurs. Feb. 18, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) At the top of the hour, Cyrus Webb welcomes author Keith Walker to the program to discuss his new book FIXIN' TYRONE. At 30 min. past the hour, Webb and co-host Gail Ambeau will talk with fashion designer Rami Kashou about being on the hit show PROJECT RUNWAY and what's next for him in 2010.
	Author Patricia A. Thomas Returns To Conversations LIVE! Radio	Thurs. Feb. 18, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) Cyrus Webb welcomes back author Patricia A. Thomas to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about her research in the bible and science that led to the writing of the thought-provoking book GOD REVEALS A MYSTERY.

Missed any of the shows live? Simply visit www.conversationsliveradio.com to catch up.

'FASHION FORWARD with Gail Ambeau' debuts Fri. March 5th

'FASHION FORWARD with Gail Ambeau' debuts Fri. March 5th Always looking for ways to anticipate the needs and wants of its growing audience and fanbase, Shadow Play Entertainment is excited to announce that artist, fashion designer and stylist Gail Ambeau is now a member of the family, both as a client and host of an exciting new show called 'FASHION FORWARD with Gail Ambeau'. The new 15 min. segment will debut on Friday, March 5, 2010 @ 1:30p.m. EST (12:30p.m. CST/10:30 a.m. PT) and continue each week at the same time. "Gail and I have known each other and worked together over the years," says Cyrus Webb, President of Shadow Play Entertainment as well as executive producer and host of Conversations LIVE! Radio. "It has been great to watch her expand on her brand, and I am thrilled about being a part of her team as she moves her career forward." A native of Toledo, Ohio but currently living in Jackson, MS, Gail Ambeau is definitely showing that she has the skills and staying power needed to be a driving force in the fashion and entertainment industry. In 2009 one of her garments was the key piece for national Gospel recording artist and Gospel Music Channel's 2008 Gospel Dreams winner Melinda Watts debut video--- So Good. She also styled America's Next Top Model (cycle 4) Tiffany Richardson for a photo shoot with celebrity photographer Derek Blanks and participated in the Florida Designers' Expo. But celebrity fashion is not all she is about. "I want to create more style options and multi functional pieces especially for real woman (size 12 to 22) so that they can feel good about themselves and look just as good as the women who sometimes get all of the face time in the media," says Ambeau. How has she maintained her drive and determination in spite of challenges in the business? The answer for her is simple. "With the support of my husband and family," she explains. "I have maintained my drive and focus because I want to be able to leave a legacy for my children and grand children. I want them to see that success has more than one path." What can you expect from 'FASHION FORWARD' each week? "Gail is an expert in what she does," says Webb. "I want to work with her in getting the most out of her abilities."  The show will allow Gail to talk directly to the public about what works and what doesn't in fashion, share interviews with those in the entertainment world as well as answer questions from the public. The public will be able to submit questions and thoughts directly to her through a special email, askambeau@aol.com. Gail will not only host the segment but co-executive produce it with Webb as well. The show will be heard at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. What advice does Gail have for those who have a dream? "First, obey the voice of God. Be willing to stick with it through the hard times to make it to the other side and be willing to give up some things." To find out more about Gail, visit www.shadowplayent.com and click on the links.

Author In Dallas, TX Uses Life of Crime To Sway Others From The Same

For some the life of Mr. Mean Mug is what movies and gangsta rap is made of: drugs, guns, a broken home, music, jail and then redemption. But for the man born Shane Gregory it is much deeper than that. What he has lived through over the past 29 years is not something he would have chosen. It is, however, what he was dealt, and he has emerged a stronger, wiser man because of it. Now with a new lease on life he lives everyday to its fullest with an emphasis on how he can use the time he has been given to make a difference in the life of those around him. With his debut novel TATTOO TEARS creating a steady buzz in the streets and now in bookstores worldwide, he is using the pen and his words to get people to stop and listen to the words of what some would consider an unlikely messenger. In February 2010, he along with Houston, TX author Jermnine Demouchette began working with Shadow Play Entertainment to embark on a national book tour called the literary Texas Takeover. Their first stop was Jackson, MS---a state with one of the highest illiteracy rates in the country.

In this exclusive interview with Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations Magazine and Conversations LIVE! Radio, Gregory opens up like never before and it is worthwhile to pay attention to what he has to say.

Mr. Mean Mug, I appreciate your taking out the time to talk with us about your journey. Before we begin I have to say that some might look at you or hear your name and not find you to be that approachable.  Yeah, people talk about the serious look on my face, but it's not for what they might thing. I think alot. If they see me like that I'm thinking tough, thinking hard. Always thinking ahead to my next move in life.;

Since you were released from prison you haven't been pursuing music. You told me, though, that you wanted to still incorporate music in your mission today. Explain. I teamed up with a recording artist that will help me mix music and the message of my book by including a cd inside the cover. That way I can let them read and hear some of the soundtrack of the lessons I have learned in life.

Thanks for taking out the time to talk with me. Take us back to the beginning. I appreciate your letting me tell my story. I was born Shane Gregory in Ohio. My family was really big into church, and about the time I was 3 or 4 we moved to Texas to follow our church. It was after that move that things started to happen in my family. My dad got involved with drugs. There were days he wasn't around and that us kids were home alone with Mom. I learned quickly that to live and survive we would have to do it without him.

Do you think that what happened with your dad contributed to the life you turned to? Definitely. As the years went by I got in the streets. I didn't know how to sell dope or anything like, that because I didn't grow up like that. Instead I started jacking cars and dope houses. Even then I was a go-getter and knew how to get what I needed. It's funny because now instead of snatching pockets I am mugging minds through the truth I am sharing.

You have done some bad things, Mean, but what you did in the streets didn't make you a bad person. Realistically we know that some look at you and will say that no good could ever come from you. How would you respond to that? People who look like me can have intelligence. Those of us that were in the streets and come from the streets are a different breed, but that doesn't mean we can't have what others do. Some will automatically judge me and others who look like me. That kind of prejudice is hurting alot of people, and it's all over the place---even in the church. Those in the church can be guilty of blocking some people's way to God and happiness, and that's wrong.

You seemed to escape paying for the wrong-doing for a while. What happened to change that? My lifestyle of crime started to catch up with me before my 18th birthday. I was 17 when I was locked up the first time. I made a deal with someone in the streets to get bailed out. He wanted to help me elevate my game, but I wasn't stupid. I knew he would be benefiting from my hustle, too. This would not be my only run-in with the law. I was acting foolish. At that point I started to think I was my own God in that I was the one that was going to make things happen in my life.

Just 8 days after my 22nd birthday I was involved in a situation that forever changed my life. I had made plans with a partner of mine to busy some weed from these individuals and then come back and jack them for the money. Things got out of hand. One of the people in the dope house called the police, and before I knew it the incident escalated into a situation where I was jumping a police officer, was accidentally shot and eventually sentenced to 15 years. I went from believing that I was the author and finisher of my life to realizing that when God has something for you to do that it is going to happen. I know that God is keeping me here for a reason.

Would you say this time your time in jail made a real difference in your life? In many ways, yes. While I was locked up my good friend and business partner was killed. We had been like brothers since I was four years old. Looking back at it I know that if I hadn't been locked up that I would have been there with him and shared in his fate. It's for that reason that I keep his name alive in everything that I do. As long as I'm here, he's not going anywhere. Another ironic thing that happened to me while locked up was that the person who called the police during the incident ended up being my cellmate for a whle. We had a chance to talk things out and even became friends.

Mean Mug, music was such an important part of your life, but how did books come into the picture? A few years into my sentence, around the age of 25 or so, I started getting books sent to me from my people on the outside. I was reading books like True To The Game by Teri Woods, The Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Soula and Death Around The Corner by C-Murder. I didn't have music, but I saw these books as a sign as to what could be the next best thing. I started writing, with Tattoo Tears being the first work that I have published with much more already written to follow-up later. My voice as a rapper was silenced in jail, but I refused to be quiet. My words on the page became my new voice.

Obviously you were released from prison early. What is your priority now that you have another chance? Yeah, I was released on November 14, 2008 after 6 years locked up on this last case. I'm a new man now, and I have a new beginning with my career as a writer, motivational speaker and more. This is just beginning.

Tell us about your debut novel. Tattoo Tears is about an individual trying to find his purpose in life. Though they go through different trials and tribulations, at the end of the day they realize that all they have to do is get a personal relationship with God and open up their hearts and minds to what their purpose might be. The book is urban fiction, and at the end of the day I know those who open up their minds and read it will benefit from what I am saying.

You and I met through a mutual friend. Why don't you tell our readers the story.Yeah, it's really crazy how things work out. When I was getting ready for a book release party, I reached out to rapper Jacki-O out of Miami, FL. She had released her book GROWN & GANGSTA, and I thought it would be great to share the moment with someone like her because I felt as though our personal stories in life connected us. She then told me about you and what you do for authors and in promoting reading, and the rest as they say is history.

It definitely is a blessing to have learned your story, and now you are taking your experiences into the churches and even schools. What do you hope young people especially get from what you have experienced?Myself and fellow Texas author Jermnine Demouchette, who wrote the book about his brother called JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS, recently visited your home state of Mississippi. It was really something to talk with those young people at schools in Jackson and let them know that the street life they see is not something they should want for themselves. I really appreciate all of the love they showed us there as Jermnine and I kicked off the literary Texas Takeover tour. I especially want to thank the teachers and administrators at Peeples Middle School and Morrison Academic Center for letting us be a part of their lives.

One last thing, Mean Mug. You were asked at the schools about your tattoos. Talk to us a little about them.Like I told the students and the teachers, my tattoos are like my testimony. They tell you my life and my thoughts, and I am always reminded of what I have been through because of them.

Thank you, again, for sharing your story with us. Any final words?I just want everyone to know that it is important to make the most out of every day you are given. Don't take anything for granted. And never judge a book by its cover, because you might miss out on something you could really benefit from.

(For interview requests and/or appearances, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.) More information can be found about Mr. Mean Mug by visiting www.myspace.com/mrmeanmug817 or follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mrmeanmug.

REVIEW: New From The Inside Out" by Kim Vazquez

REVIEW: "New From The Inside Out" by Kim Vazquez

In LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR author Kim Vazquez told us her story of redemption and renewal. Now in NEW FROM THE INSIDE OUT, she helps us all to begin the journey of change that so many of us hope for. Written as advice from a trusted friend, Kim takes us through the importance of loving ourselves, learning to forgive and move on and recognize something larger than us in our quest for real happiness.

While some lament the challenges they have experienced, the author has come to learn the purpose of what she has been through. She writes: "I finally understood why I'd been through all of those challenges and difficulties. It was so I could relate to others on a deeper level and be of help to them." How many of us look for those "teachable moments" when we are dealing with things day to day? How many of us realize the importance of looking for the good in life instead of focusing on the negative? Kim goes on to say this: "A new life began for me when I cleared out my destructive thinking habits and allowed my mind to be quieter."

Believe me, no matter where you are in your life, this is a book that you will want to read and share with those you love. It allows you to look at the past, present and future in a brand new light.

 

Reviewed by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-living-in-rear-view-mirror-author.html

Literary Texas Takeover of Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Texas Takeover of Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

<Missed day one's activities? Visit http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/literary-texas-takeover-touches-down-at.html>

 

(Fri. Feb. 5, 2010) With no rain in sight and the sun trying to show itself, day 2 of the literary Texas Takeover in Mississippi began with a visit to Morrison Academic Advancement Center in Jackson, MS. Thanks to the warm invitation by the Principal (Mrs. Sherry Sterling) and the support of recording artist and poet Blak Jewel, authors Jermnine Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug were able to share once again their story of missteps, redemption and the lessons learned.

The students listened intently during the entire presentation, but it was during the final moments of the visit that Blak Jewel, who also has a son at the school, revealed how Mean Mug and Demouchette had inspired them to share something personal about herself. She went on to tell the students that she had been molested growing up, and how she went on to make decisions that weren't the best. "I am now a single woman with four kids," she said, "and it's hard." Blak Jewel went on to say that it was possible to learn from your mistakes, and she thanked the authors again for being willing to help others.


From there, Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug returned to Peeples Middle School to share their final thoughts with some of the students in Mrs. Bolden's class.
It was during this visit that retired Professor Charlie Gaulden met the gentleman and had a chance to share the work that he was doing to help those in the Jackson area that were in need.

It was a successful first tour stop for the Texas Takeover, but it is only just beginning of what will be an incredible adventure for the authors, the experiences they have to share and the good they will be able to do.
"The two of them met each other because of books," says Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb. He works as the publicist for both authors and is scheduling the tour stops. "They have been living in the same state for all this time, but it was their books that brought them together to help others."
Webb is now working to get organizations in Texas to see the benefit of such a pairing. "They compliment each other well, and I think it will be a win-win for them and their state."

Find out more information about the Texas Takeover and upcoming events at www.shadowplayent.com.

Ntl Campaign Will Raise Funds to Rebuild, Strengthen Families

Ntl Campaign Will Raise Funds to Rebuild,
Strengthen Families Affected by Natural Disasters

The International Freedom Coalition goes worldwide in its first week
during a national two-year walk to celebrate family unity.

Houston, TX – February 1, 2010 – When Houston-based nonprofit International Freedom Coalition (IFC) planned a two-year walk around America, which started on Jan. 15, no one knew it would turn into an international focus so soon.  After the Jan. 13 earthquake in Haiti, a new course set before the organization which led to the creation of the New Directions Family Fund. 

Under the New Directions Family Fund, IFC will set aside 5% of its donations to benefit families in transition after natural disasters. "While 5% of our total funding is a modest amount to start, I hope that the Coalition will be able to increase its efforts as our organization grows. Nonetheless, each small difference that our support makes
will show others that we as individuals and as a people are more powerful than we may first believe," said Sapphire Jule King, founder of IFC.

King anticipates the fund to grow exponentially as she continues on her two-year walk around America during the campaign entitled, "Walk a Week in Your Shoes."  The organization also set up an online home:  www.walkaweekinyourshoes.com. When asked about why she decided to take the two-year journey, King said "I just feel lead by my High Power to do this."

The collaborative, national campaign organized by the IFC to celebrate strong families serves as a way to bring awareness to child maltreatment by showcasing healthy families.  Additionally, the walk encourages business community support.  Contributions fund the Coalition's general operating expenses, Aware Academy, Collaborative Action Research Projects, New Directions Family Fund, and other community giving activities related to literacy, personal transformation, assisting women in transition, male leadership training, and special needs youth.

About Sapphire Jule King

Sapphire Jule King spent the last 12 years researching and applying different conventional and alternative healing methods to recover from childhood molestation and abandonment, alcoholism, a supposed bipolar disorder diagnosis, severe depression, two suicide attempts, and a general dissatisfaction with life.  She credits a reconnection with her Higher Power, embrace of her intuitive abilities, visions, and prophetic dreams as her guidance system through life.

For more information about The Freedom Coalition and/or to schedule an interview with

Sapphire Jule King, please contact Monica L. Coleman at 877-464-4932.

C-Murder takes novel approach to jail time (CL 10/10/2007)

C-Murder takes novel approach to jail time
Raymond Reeves. The Clarion Ledger. Jackson, Miss.: Oct 10, 2007. pg. D.1

Link to the article online

Abstract (Summary)
Since education was strongly emphasized in his family, promoting that same message has become a priority for Miller.


Copyright 2007 - Clarion Ledger Jackson, MS - All Rights Reverved


*Multiplatinum-selling rapper turns hardship into positive story

By Raymond Reeves

rareeves@jackson.gannett.com

He grew up in the projects. Uses the word "murder" in his professional name. Was given a life sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder.

What type of image does this bring to mind?

How about this one:High school honor student, voracious reader and accomplished author.

These are descriptions of 36-year-old Corey Miller, aka C-Murder, a multiplatinum-selling rapper and author of Death Around the Corner.

"I normally read Christian fiction and this is definitely not Christian fiction - but it is still a story of hope and overcoming. It just goes to show what happens when you attach labels to things,"said Robin Gardner, a member of the Conversations Book Club, which has organized Miller's visit to the Jackson area Thursday and Friday.

Death Around the Corner (Vibe Street Lit, $15) was written while Miller was in prison for the 2002 death of a 16-year-old fan. The conviction was overturned, and he was released from prison after four years.

Raised in the Calliope Projects of New Orleans, the book centers around Daquan, a little boy growing up in similar circumstances, and the results his choices have on his life.

"Basically, this book comes from the experiences of family members, friends, people that lived in the neighborhood ... Iwitnessed a lot of things and heard a lot of stories ...

"I wanted to show people that being from the hood didn't mean you had to be some crazy, deranged person with no heart. I wanted Daquan to have a heart and for people to really understand why he does some of the things he does, but, at the same time, understand where he's coming from and that he does have a family that's there for him and cares for him. He tries to do the right things ... but sometimes he gets swept up."

Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club founder, had the book recommended to him. "It was so gritty, but it was so real. And, even though the subject matter was so different than what I'm used to, it was easy to relate to."

Miller calls the book a positive outcome of his incarceration.

"I always wanted to do it, but me sitting out, basically having a lot of time on my hands and free energy, my thought processes slowed down enough that Icould sit down and put all of my emphasis into it,"Miller said.

The response to the book, Miller said, has been gratifying.

"I've had some true diehard fans who are always going to accept what Ido, but I've had school teachers, attorneys, people who you would never suspect would read the novel read it," he said. "I really appreciated that, but it surprised me though."

Since education was strongly emphasized in his family, promoting that same message has become a priority for Miller.

"That's one thing I'm really glad I'm getting out of it; now I'm accepted by fans that (before) would never have picked up a book,"he said.

Feb. 2010: This month on CONVERSATIONS LIVE RADIO

Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE! Radio is pleased to announce February 2010's roster of guests.
 

 

	Segment	Description	Keywords	Category Maturity	Date Duration
	[888478] Model Milan Christopher and Author Mr. Mean Mug on Conversations LIVE! Radio	At the top of the hour host Cyrus Webb welcomes model Milan Christopher to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about his career, following your dreams and what's next for him in 2010. At 30 min. past the hour, author Mr. Mean Mug returns to Conversations LIVE! to talk about his new projects and his upcoming visit to Mississippi to promote his book TATTOO TEARS. At 45 min. past the hour, join Webb in welcoming Chef Bruce Tretter back to the show to give us this week's Quick and Easy Cooking Tip.	milan christopher mean mug, mean mug milan christopher, milan christopher cyrus webb, cyrus webb mr mean mug, conversations live radio	Entertainment Everyone	2/1/2010 7:00 PM 60 Minutes
	[888480] Author Lisa Hall on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Author Lisa Hall joins host Cyrus Webb on Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her new book TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR OWN HEALTH.	author lisa hall cyrus webb, cyrus webb author lisa hall, author lisa hall conversations live, conversations live radio cyrus webb, cyrus webb	Books Everyone	2/2/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888481] Author Kirk Wilkinsons on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Host Cyrus Webb is pleased to welcome back author Kirk Wilkinson to discuss his personal life story and his book THE HAPPINESS FACTOR.	cyrus webb kirk wilkinson, kirk wilkinson cyrus webb, cyrus webb conversations live radio, conversations live radio kirk wilkinson, kirk wilkinson conversations live radio	Books Everyone	2/2/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888483] Author Tara Michener on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Tara Michener to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her commitment to promoting literacy and what's next for her.	tara michener cyrus webb, cyrus webb conversations live radio, conversations live radio tara michener, tara michener conversations live radio, conversations live radio	Books Everyone	2/3/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888488] Author Diane Martin on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Diane Martin (FALLEN ANGEL, AUTUMN LEAVES, NEVER WHAT IT SEEMS) to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about her journey as a writer and the upcoming event "You are not alone," that is to be held in Chicago, IL on Sat. February 20, 2010.	diane martin cyrus webb, cyrus webb diane martin, diane martin conversations live radio, conversations live radio cyrus webb, cyrus webb	Books Everyone	2/3/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888496] Singing sensation Mordecai on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes singing sensation Mordecai to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about his journey as an artist and to debut music on the program.	mordecai conversations live radio, conversations live radio mordecai, mordecai cyrus webb, cyrus webb mordecai, cyrus webb	Music Everyone	2/4/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888497] Author Jan Longpre on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes author Jan Longpre to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss th events that led to writing the book A PLACE IN TIME.	jan longpre cyrus webb, cyrus webb conversations live radio, conversations live radio jan longpre, jan longpre, cyrus webb	Books Everyone	2/5/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888503] Authors Jodi Cleghorn and Paul Anderson on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Join Cyrus Webb in welcoming author Jodi Cleghorn in Australia and Paul Anderson in London to a special international edition of Conversations LIVE! Radio. The two will talk about how they met, the projects they are working on and how they are helping to promote other wrters as well.	jodi cleghorn paul anderson, paul anderson jodi cleghorn, jodi cleghorn cyrus webb, cyrus webb paul anderson, conversations live radio cyrus webb	Books Everyone	2/5/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888509] Author and Activist Bruce George on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Many of you know him as the co-founder of Def Poetry Jam. Author and Activist Bruce George makes his first visit to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about his upcoming projects and his plans for 2010. At 45 min. past the hour, Chef Bruce Tretter will give us this week's "Quick and Easy Cooking Tip".	bruce george cyrus webb, cyrus webb bruce george, bruce george conversations live radio, conversations live radio cyrus webb, cyrus webb conversations live radio	Current Events Everyone	2/8/2010 7:00 PM 60 Minutes
	[888510] Author Matt De La Pena on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes back bestselling author Matt De La Pena to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his current projects and what's next for him.	matt de la pena, matt dela pena cyrus webb, cyrus webb matt dela pena, conversations live matt pena, cyrus webb conversations live radio	Books Everyone	2/9/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888512] Author Pretty Tony on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes back author Pretty Tony to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about what started his career as a writer, what he hopes readers get from his work and what's next for him.	pretty tony cyrus webb, cyrus webb pretty tony, pretty tony conversations live radio, conversations live radio pretty tony, cyrus webb conversations live radio	Books Everyone	2/9/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888517] Willie Taylor of Day 26 on Conversations LIVE! Radio	The last time Day 26 was on Conversations LIVE! Radio it was to talk about their video album FOREVER IN YOUR EYES. Now Willie Taylor of Day 26 talks to Cyrus Webb about the events that have gone on with the group since that release, his own battle with privacy and the media as well as his new mixtape SEX TAPE to be released on Valentine's Day. What's next for Day 26 and him? We will discuss that and more!	willie taylor day26 cyrus webb, cyrus webb day26 willie taylor, willie taylor conversations live radio, conversations live radio cyrus webb, Day 26	Music Everyone	2/10/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888515] Recording artist Tomas Doncker and Author D. D. Turner on Conversations LIVE! Radio	At the top of the hour, Cyrus Webb welcomes recording artist Tomas Doncker to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his music career and talk about how he is using social networking tools like Twitter to spread the word. At 30 min. past the hour, D. D. Turner, author of Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend, talks about his new work and what's coming up for him in 2010.	tomas doncker dd turner, dd turner conversations live radio, conversations live radio tomas doncker, tomas doncker cyrus webb, cyrus webb dd turner	Current Events Everyone	2/10/2010 7:00 PM 60 Minutes
	[888520] Daniel Tuitt of 20,000 Dialogues on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes Daniel Tuitt,project manager for 20000 Dialogues and the Outreach Coordinator for Unity Productions Foundation, to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about the conversations they have begun through film.	daniel tuitt cyrus webb, cyrus webb daniel tuitt, daniel tuitt conversations live radio, conversations live radio cyrus webb, daniel tuitt 20000 dialogues	Current Events Everyone	2/11/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888531] Terez Williamson on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes back Terez Williamson to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss relationships and suggestions for Valentine's Day.	terez williamson conversations live radio, conversations live radio terez williamson, terez williamson cyrus webb, cyrus webb terez williamson, conversations live radio cyrus webb	Romance Everyone	2/11/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888536] Author W. James Richardson on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes author W. James Richardson to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his journey as a writer and what he hopes readers get from his work.	w james richardson conversations live, conversations live w james richardson, w james richardson cyrus webb, cyrus webb w james richardson, conversations live radio cyrus webb	Books Everyone	2/12/2010 7:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888551] Robert Stack of Community Options along with Jacki-O and Tray Chaney on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes Robert Stack of Community Options to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss the organization's purpose and how others can assist throughout the year. Joining Stack will be two of this year's ambassadors, recording artists Jacki-O and Tray Chaney, to talk about why they wanted to get involved with Community Options.	robert stack community options, conversations live radio cyrus webb, cyrus webb robert stack, jackio conversations live radio, tray chaney conversations live radio	Current Events Everyone	2/15/2010 12:00 PM 30 Minutes
	[888553] Author Icen on Conversations LIVE! Radio	Cyrus Webb welcomes author Icen to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her life as a writer and the new book EMPTY PLEASURES. At 30 min. past the hour, Webb will share an excerpt from his serialized novel BLESSED. At 45 min. past the hour, Webb will introduce Chef Bruce Tretter and this week's "Quick and Easy Cooking Tip".